Latest news with #StenH.Vermund
Agriland
07-05-2025
- Health
- Agriland
Virologists issue call to action to mitigate rising global bird flu threat
The Global Virus Network (GVN), which represents human and animal virologists from more than 80 centres of excellence and affiliates based in over 40 countries worldwide, has issued a call-to-action to address the threat of H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. GVN's call-to-action was enshrined in its comprehensive analysis of the virus, entitled 'Enhancing the response to avian influenza in the US and globally', which was published in the medical journal, Lancet Regional Health—Americas recently. The GVN has called on world governments to address the looming threat of bird flu by enhancing surveillance, implementing biosecurity measures, and preparing for potential human-to-human transmission. The study advocated for a multi-agency approach and the implementation of proactive measures to prevent further widespread outbreaks, leveraging lessons learned from prior pandemics. Chief medical officer of the GVN and dean of the College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Dr. Sten H. Vermund said: 'Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response. 'The virus' ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures.' Bird flu Since March 2024, when bird flu was reported in US dairy cows for the first time, the virus has affected nearly 1,000 dairy cow herds and resulted in more than 70 human cases, including the first confirmed death in the country, according to the GVN. The US poultry industry was deemed at significant risk, particularly in areas with high-density farming and where personal protective practices may be lacking, the GVN has stated. The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus is now circulating in all 50 states as well as in Canada, resulting in the loss or culling of more than 168 million poultry in the US alone since 2022. While human-to-human transmission has not yet been documented, experts have warned that virus mutations and reassortments, or combining two flu viruses, could increase future transmissibility. Head of the Viroscience Department at Erasmus Medical Center, The Netherlands, Marion Koopmans added: 'Genomic surveillance is pivotal in tracking viral evolution and informing response strategies. 'Continued investment in surveillance at the human-animal interface, and immediate sharing of unusual field observations and sequence data is essential for researchers worldwide to monitor virus dynamics effectively.' The GVN virologists have underscored the need for improved pandemic preparedness, drawing on lessons learned from the recent Covid-19 pandemic and previous viral outbreaks. They advocate for a multi-faceted approach to pandemic preparedness, which includes: Enhanced surveillance: Continuous monitoring of animals, including testing of milk, wastewater, and individuals working with infected animals, to track virus evolution that may lead to human-to human transmissibility; Continuous monitoring of animals, including testing of milk, wastewater, and individuals working with infected animals, to track virus evolution that may lead to human-to human transmissibility; Faster genomic data sharing: Accelerate the release of genomic data to track virus evolution and spatial transmission while fostering collaboration among global research networks; Accelerate the release of genomic data to track virus evolution and spatial transmission while fostering collaboration among global research networks; Improved farm biosecurity: Using personal protective equipment (PPE) and strict farm cleaning protocols to minimise human exposure and prevent virus spread; Using personal protective equipment (PPE) and strict farm cleaning protocols to minimise human exposure and prevent virus spread; Plans for the roll-out of diagnostic tests: Advocate for self-administered diagnostic tests for farm workers, supported by healthcare access for frontline medical staff to enhance early detection; Advocate for self-administered diagnostic tests for farm workers, supported by healthcare access for frontline medical staff to enhance early detection; Strengthening public health infrastructure: Increase funding and support for response mechanisms, particularly in high-risk regions to better manage outbreaks; Increase funding and support for response mechanisms, particularly in high-risk regions to better manage outbreaks; Investment in phenotype prediction from genetic data: Invest in predicting the phenotypes of avian influenza viruses from genetic data, as key traits are difficult to predict solely from genomic sequences; Invest in predicting the phenotypes of avian influenza viruses from genetic data, as key traits are difficult to predict solely from genomic sequences; Investment in rapid vaccine development: Encourage the development and rapid deployment of vaccines for humans and animals, focusing on farm workers; Encourage the development and rapid deployment of vaccines for humans and animals, focusing on farm workers; Preparation for the roll-out of vaccines and therapeutics: Preposition clinical studies to rapidly assess the properties of emerging virus strains and potential treatments; Preposition clinical studies to rapidly assess the properties of emerging virus strains and potential treatments; Enable rapid clinical studies: Focus on enabling rapid clinical studies to assess key properties of new pandemic strains, evaluate new vaccines and treatments, and support modeling efforts; Focus on enabling rapid clinical studies to assess key properties of new pandemic strains, evaluate new vaccines and treatments, and support modeling efforts; International collaboration: Support a coordinated global response to track data, share research, and prepare for emerging viral threats to reduce community vulnerabilities and improve response strategies. While some surveillance of bird flu has been carried out, the GVN highlighted the lack of comprehensive testing and monitoring to assess the virus's spread and risks to public health. Founding director of the Center of Infection Medicine and Zoonosis Research at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Prof. Ab Osterhaus emphasised the urgency required of the global community to tackle bird flu: 'Given the growing circulation of H5N1 among mammals, the GVN calls for urgent efforts to understand and interrupt transmission in cattle through herd management and potential vaccination. 'Strengthening surveillance at animal-human interfaces is crucial, as current monitoring efforts are insufficient to guide effective prevention strategies.'
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What is H5N1? Experts warn new virus spreading across all 50 states, fears of new pandemic
Experts warn about the possibility of a new pandemic in 2025 as the H5N1 bird flu virus spreads across all 50 states, impacting US dairy farms and leading to human infections. Here's what to know. While bird flu has been around for decades, the discovery in 2024 that the deadly pathogen spread from a wild bird to a cow came as a surprise to virus watchers, according to news officials. In just over a year, the virus has ravaged America's dairy herds, poultry flocks and other mammals — humans. The Global Virus Network (GVN) has issued warning to world governments to address the threat of the H5N1 outbreak by improving surveillance, implementing biosecurity measures, and preparing for potential human-to-human transmission. "Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response," said Sten H. Vermund, MD, PhD, chief medical officer of the GVN. "The virus' ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures." According to GVN, the new virus outbreak has affected nearly 1000 dairy cow herds, resulted in more than 70 human cases and one confirmed death in the U.S. and has caused the loss or culling of more than 168 million poultry since 2022. 'In the U.S. sporadic human infections with no known contact with infected animals highlight the possibility of viral adaptation for efficient human-to-human transmission,' GVN scientists said in a report. 'Concurrently, the virus continues to circulate in wild birds, backyard flocks, and hunted migratory species, further amplifying the risk to humans and domestic animals.' In a CBS news interview with Veterinarian Dr. Kay Russo, she warned that time to stop the bird flu is 'running out'. She said while it's not clear how the virus was spreading from cow to cow, 'milking equipment is a prime suspect' and workers in milking parlors have also fallen sick with flu-like symptoms. Infectious disease physician Dr. Kamran Khan said in the same interview, that his company, BlueDot, was among the first to flag the virus in China that became the COVID pandemic. He said 'the bird flu is just as concerning' and explained how fast the virus has spread among dairy cattle. H5N1 is a specific strain of influenza A virus, also known as bird flu. The avian flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease that primarily affects birds, but can also infect other animals, including mammals like dairy cows and humans. Symptoms can be mild to severe and in some cases, even fatal. The symptoms of H5N1 infection may include fever (often high fever, over 100.4 degrees) and malaise, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. Other early symptoms may include conjunctivitis and other non-respiratory symptoms. The infection may progress quickly to severe respiratory illness, pneumonia and neurologic changes (altered mental status or seizures), according to the World Health Organization. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: New virus pandemic 2025 spreading: What is H5N1 avian bird flu?
USA Today
03-05-2025
- Health
- USA Today
What is H5N1? Experts warn virus spreading across US, fears of new pandemic
What is H5N1? Experts warn virus spreading across US, fears of new pandemic Show Caption Hide Caption Are we ready for a bird flu pandemic? There's a growing body of evidence that suggests people may have asymptomatic bird flu infections. Experts warn about the possibility of a new pandemic in 2025 as bird flu spreads across all 50 states, impacting American dairy and poultry farms with dozens of people infected. Here's what to know. Bird flu, also known as H5N1, has been around for decades. But the discovery in 2024 that the virus spread from wild birds to cows came as a surprise to public health experts, according to officials. In just over a year, the virus has ravaged America's dairy herds and poultry flocks and has infected humans − sometimes causing death. The Global Virus Network (GVN), a nonprofit coalition of virologists, has issued warnings to governments to address the threat of the H5N1 outbreak by improving surveillance, implementing biosecurity measures, and preparing for potential human-to-human transmission. "Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response," said Dr. Sten H. Vermund, chief medical officer of the GVN and an infectious disease epidemiologist. "The virus' ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures.' How much has bird flu spread? In the United States, the outbreak has affected over 1,000 dairy herds across 17 states, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data. It has caused the loss or culling in commercial and backyard poultry flocks of more than 169 million birds since 2022, USDA said. Federal health officials have identified 70 people in the United States infected, mostly among dairy and poultry workers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One person, an older Louisiana resident with underlying medical issues, died in January, becoming the first American death from bird flu. The strain of bird flu the Louisiana resident had, known as D1.1, has been known to cause severe illness in humans. Bird flu has shown to be concerning elsewhere in North America. In early April 2024, Mexican officials confirmed the country's first bird flu death in a 3-year-old girl. In November 2024, Canadian officials identified a 13-year-old girl who became severely ill with the D1.1 strain and had to be intubated. 'In the U.S. sporadic human infections with no known contact with infected animals highlight the possibility of viral adaptation for efficient human-to-human transmission,' GVN scientists said in a report. 'Concurrently, the virus continues to circulate in wild birds, backyard flocks, and hunted migratory species, further amplifying the risk to humans and domestic animals.' Dr. Kay Russo, a veterinarian, warned in an interview that time to stop the bird flu is 'running out.' She told CBS News that while it's not clear how the virus was spreading from cow to cow, 'milking equipment is a prime suspect' and workers in milking parlors have also fallen sick with flu-like symptoms. Infectious disease physician Dr. Kamran Khan said in the same interview, that his company, BlueDot, was among the first to flag the virus in China that became the COVID pandemic. He said 'the bird flu is just as concerning' and explained how fast the virus has spread among dairy cattle. What is H5N1? H5N1, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza, is a specific strain of influenza A virus. Bird flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease that primarily affects birds, but can also infect other animals, including mammals like dairy cows and humans. Chickens are highly susceptible to illness and death, while cows appear to recover. Humans have often had mild symptoms, though a few cases have caused serious illness. Experts have warned that if the virus continues to spread across species, it increases the likelihood of becoming more transmissible to humans and causing more severe illness. What are the symptoms of H5N1 infection in humans? The symptoms of H5N1 infection may include fever (often high fever, over 100.4 degrees) and malaise, cough, sore throat and muscle aches. Other early symptoms may include conjunctivitis and other non-respiratory symptoms. The infection may progress quickly to severe respiratory illness, pneumonia and neurologic changes (altered mental status or seizures), according to the World Health Organization. Eduardo Cuevas of USA TODAY contributed to this report.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Top virologists sound the alarm on bird flu and plead with world leaders to prepare for another pandemic
Leading virologists from over 40 countries are sounding the alarm over the increasing threat of H5N1 avian flu—which can cause coughing, body aches, fatigue, pneumonia, and other symptoms in humans—urging global leaders to step up with a range of measures and to use knowledge gained during the COVID pandemic. 'In the U.S. sporadic human infections with no known contact with infected animals highlight the possibility of viral adaptation for efficient human-to-human transmission,' Global Virus Network (GVN) scientists write in a commentary published this week in The Lancet Regional Health–Americas. 'Concurrently, the virus continues to circulate in wild birds, backyard flocks, and hunted migratory species, further amplifying the risk to humans and domestic animals.' The experts compel leaders to address the issue by boosting surveillance, enhancing biosecurity, and preparing for potential human-to-human viral transmission. The authors note that more than 995 dairy cow herds and at least 70 people have been infected with H5N1, including severe cases and the first reported U.S. death. 'Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response,' Dr. Sten H. Vermund, chief medical officer of the GVN and dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida, said in a press release. 'The virus's ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures.' The highly pathogenic influenza virus is now circulating in all 50 states and Canada, the virologists warn, resulting in the loss or culling of more than 168 million poultry animals in the U.S. since 2022. While human-to-human transmission is not documented, experts warn that virus mutations or the combination of two flu viruses could increase transmissibility. The researchers made several recommendations: Continuously monitoring animals, including testing milk, wastewater, and people working with infected animals, to track virus evolution that may lead to human-to human transmissibility. Accelerating the sharing of genomic data among global research networks to track virus evolution and spread. Using personal protective equipment and strict farm-cleaning protocols. Advocating for self-administered diagnostic tests for farmworkers and health care access for frontline medical workers. Providing more funding for responses, especially in high-risk regions. Investing in predicting traits of avian flu viruses from genetic data. Developing and rapidly administering vaccines to people and animals. Conducting clinical studies on the properties of emerging virus strains, potential therapies, and vaccines. 'A robust nationwide monitoring system is essential to quickly detect and quarantine affected animals and implement preventive measures to curb further spread and human infections,' said Elyse Stachler, GVN member and a research scientist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. 'Further, we believe it is crucial to maintain trust and stakeholder buy-in for monitoring programs, particularly from farmworkers.' 'We are advocating for community-driven strategies to ensure the successful implementation of vaccines, if necessary,' said Dr. Christian Bréchot, president emeritus of the GVN and director of the USF Health Microbiomes Institute and senior associate dean for research in global affairs in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. 'The situation with H5N1 demands heightened vigilance and collaboration across public health sectors. Early detection and robust surveillance are critical to prevent further spread.' More on infectious disease: At this rate, measles could become endemic again within 2 decades, researchers warn As measles spreads throughout the U.S., here's how to tell if you need a booster shot What are the symptoms of bird flu and how does it spread? This story was originally featured on
Indian Express
02-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
H5N1 Bird Flu outbreak in US: Experts warn of pandemic risk as more than 70 cases of human infections detected
The H5N1 bird flu virus continues to spread across the United States, with over 1,000 dairy herds affected since March 2024 and more than 70 confirmed human cases, including one death. Experts from the Global Virus Network (GVN) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are warning that the virus's ongoing transmission among animals could potentially lead to mutations, raising the risk of human-to-human spread. 'Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response,' said Dr Sten H. Vermund, Chief Medical Officer at the GVN and Dean of the USF Health College of Public Health. 'The virus's ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures.' The GVN has urged governments worldwide to take immediate steps, including improving surveillance, standardising testing, and rolling out vaccination strategies to protect both farm animals and workers in high-risk settings. What is H5N1 and Why is it concerning? Avian influenza A(H5N1) is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects birds but can also infect mammals and humans. According to the World Health Organization, when transmitted to humans, the virus can cause severe illness with a high fatality rate. Most human infections so far have occurred due to direct contact with infected birds or animals, or exposure to contaminated environments. Despite the outbreak's scale, the CDC maintains that the current risk to the general public is low. However, the agency advises that dairy and poultry workers, as well as anyone in close contact with animals, should follow safety measures. 'We are monitoring individuals with animal exposures closely, and continue to assess the situation carefully,' the CDC stated. The urgent call from GVN GVN experts stress the need for: Enhanced surveillance across both animals and humans Faster sharing of genomic data to track virus mutations Stronger biosecurity measures on farms Preparedness plans for diagnostics and vaccines Education for farm workers and the public on safe handling of poultry and livestock The GVN warned that continued spread among mammals could increase chance of genetic changes that could make the virus more transmissible between humans and if such changes occur, the world could face another pandemic threat. The CDC and GVN also emphasised the need for collaboration between countries, health systems, and scientific communities to prepare for and respond to the evolving H5N1 risk. 'Heightened vigilance, global cooperation, and early detection are absolutely critical in containing further spread,' Dr Vermund said.
